Released by: Cooking Vinyl Records
Release Date: 31.03.2023
Genre: Classic Rock, R&B
Links: https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/
Tracklisting:
Different Game
Dropped Reeling & Stupid
Rediscover
Runaway
You Could Be My Love
Merry-Go-Round
Love You While I Can
I Want to Fly
Got to Move On
The Sun Will Rise Again
Band Members:
Vocalist, Colin Blunstone,
Keyboardist, Rod Argent,
Drummer, Steve Rodford,
Guitarist, Tom Toomey,
Bassist, Søren Koch
Eight years after their last release “Still Got That Hunger” the Zombies are back with another album of new compositions. And yes, Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent still got that hunger after starting the band in St Albans more than 60 years ago! Not only are they still recording music but also are still relentlessly touring for their dedicated fans. Last year alone Blunstone and Argent – supported by their current line-up of three band members – played an impressive 65 shows across Europe and North America!
The Zombies began work on the new album straight after their well-deserved 2019 induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But then the pandemic hit which derailed the recording sessions. Given they are such a dedicated live band capturing the “live” feel was difficult and the band was not content to record remotely.
However, the finished result was certainly worth the wait. The album is a rich mix of Rock and R&B with the usual blend of ballads as we are used to hear from The Zombies. It’s a great selection of good sounding songs with credit to Rod Argent who produced the album and acted as principal songwriter.
Take “Rediscover“ for example with a brilliant vocal harmonies opening and chords that will remind the listener of the Beach Boys. Maybe a nod to Brian Wilson with whom they toured North America in 2019? Other tracks remind me on Steely Dan (“Dropped Reeling & Stupid“) or Procol Harum (“Different Game”). The important thing is: No track sounds the same.
Of course there is also a UK tour planned for April to promote the album. And speaking of touring, I can’t help but mention the album cover which shows a scene from when their tour van broke down in the Arizona tour desert. A photo taken by Rod Argent on his phone, it’s quite an unusual choice and a contrast to their earlier album artworks (especially the iconic “Odessey & Oracle”). But as Colin Blunstone describes the experience as “harrowing but also beautiful and surreal” it must have made quite an impact on them.
Reviewed by: Tom Hilverkus
Score: 7/10
UK Tour dates are listed below, with more shows to be announced for 2023. The band also continue to tour the US throughout March.
UK Shows:
April 05, 2023 – Wimborne Minster, UK – Tivoli Theatre
April 06, 2023 – Emouth, UK – Exmouth Pavilion
April 07, 2023 – Fletching, UK – Trading Boundaries
April 08, 2023 – Fletching, UK – Trading Boundaries
April 09, 2023 – Fletching, UK – Trading Boundaries
April 12, 2023 – Pontardawe, UK – Pontardawe Arts Centre
April 13, 2023 – Bristol, UK – The Fleece – SOLD OUT
April 14, 2023 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall
April 15, 2023 – Bury St. Edmunds, UK – The Apex
April 18, 2023 – Norwich, UK – Epic Studios
April 19, 2023 – Felixstowe, UK – Spa Pavilion
April 20, 2023 – Harpenden, UK – Eric Morecambe Centre
April 21, 2023 – Harpenden, UK – Eric Morecambe Centre
April 23, 2023 – Kinross, UK – Backstage at The Green Hotel – SOLD OUT
April 24, 2023 – Kinross, UK – Backstage at The Green Hotel
April 26, 2023 – Glasgow, UK – Òran Mór – SOLD OUT
April 27, 2023 – Holmfirth, UK – Picturedrome
April 29, 2023 – Taunton, UK – Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre
April 30, 2023 – Bury, UK – The Met
May 03, 2023 – Stockton-on-Tees, UK – ARC
May 04, 2023 – Carlisle, UK – Old Fire Station
May 05, 2023 – New Brighton, UK – Floral Pavilion
May 06, 2023 – Milton Keynes, UK – The Stables – SOLD OUT
TICKETS:
https://www.thezombiesmusic.com/live
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